City of Wolverhampton Council has teamed up with key partners to deliver a one city response to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision.

Wolverhampton Learning Platform, Adult Education, City of Wolverhampton College, Workers Educational Association, Department for Work and Pensions, and voluntary and community sector providers are working closely with the council to deliver on a strategy to address the needs of residents who have English as a second language.

The council's Language@Work programme has been successfully delivered in locations across the city and is now set to grow under the new partnership.

Participants have benefited from ESOL support, cultural awareness, IT, work related courses and Information Advice and Guidance, with around 20% going on to secure employment.

The most recent programme at the Old School Building, Blakenhall, saw 15 local residents from various countries across the globe come together to improve their skills in the hope of finding jobs.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "This is an exciting initiative co-ordinated by the skills team at the council, offering residents who have English as a second language specialist support and training.

"It is also a great way of celebrating our commitment to equalities and celebrating the many different faiths and cultures we have in our city."

The next Language@Work programmes will begin in the autumn and anyone interested should contact Karen Sahota on 07881 358679, email Karen.Sahota@wolverhampton.gov.uk, or visit Type=links;Linkid=8638;Title=WorkBox;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Monday 31 July, 2017